The use of music to aid patients' relaxation in a radiotherapy waiting room

Patient-centred practice and increasing user involvement adds impetus to built environmental research within the health care setting. Much work has been centred around stress reduction initiatives for improving health outcomes for patients and staff.This study examined the influence of music choice on patients' anxiety levels whilst seated in a radiotherapy waiting area. Patients' stress levels and perceptions were assessed in the absence/presence of music. The opinions of patients were elicited through a questionnaire following exposure to a range of music types. Music therapy was shown to have clear benefits when individuals enjoyed the music to which they listened. Although clear preferences were indicated, the results were skewed by the negative effects of music not enjoyed by patients. Further investigation needs to take account of the impact of personal variables and the value of ‘quiet areas’.